Lubricating apparatus



Sept l 936- Y ,L ci Ro'r'rr-:R 2,052,664

LUBRI CATING APPARATUS Filed Dec. 29, 1950 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Sept.' l, 1936. L. c. RloTTER 21,052,664

LUBRIATING APPARATUS Filed Dec 29,1930 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 sep1.1,1936. 1 @.ROTTER l 2,052,664

LUBRICATING APPARATUS Filed'nec. 29, 1930 4 sheets-sheet s S99@ @35i 1 c. ROTTER 2,052,664

LUBRICATING APPARATUS Filed Dec. 29, 195D 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 am mani- .A M

Patented Sept. l, 19.36

Y UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 2,052,664 LUBBICATING APPARATUS Application December 29, 1930, serial No. 505,243

19 Claims.

This invention relates to fluid pressure alternating and regulating means, and with regard to more specicfeatures, to means for delivering a lubricantA alternately to several 'conduits at predetermined pressures. 1 y

Among the several objects of Lthe invention may be noted the provision of improvements in the alternating and regulating portions of the lubricating system set forth in United StateS Patent 1,805,303; the provision of an improvement in which is eiected hydraulic operation instead ofmechanical operation; the provision f apparatus ofthe class described which provides atleast two cooperating alternators in one unitthe provision of apparatus of the class described which provide alternators for `alternating a working pressure, one of said alternators being operable by said working pressure, and the other being operable by asecondary pressure; the provision of apparatus of the class described which provides regulators for cooperating with at least one of the alternators; and the provision of apparatus of the class described which is compact in structure and provided with a means adapted to insure operability. Other 'objects will be in part obvious and in part pointed out hereinafter.

The invention accordingly comprises the elelments and combinations of elements, features of construction, and arrangements of parts which will be exemplified in the structure hereinafter described, and the scope of the application of Fig. 4 isV a horizontal section taken on linedof Fig. 1; and

Fig. 5 is a diagrammatic now chart showing the invention installedmin a pressure lubricating system. asimilar reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings. l

'Referring to the system as a whole, in Fig. 5, i" dex A illustrates-a main valve means or alter- 91?. "adapted to alternate to outlet lines I and from; agsupply line 30|, a fluid atworking :ssure'. .-Across the lines I and O are placed exhaust line 303. 'I'hus at all times one of the 10 lines I and O is under a relativelyI high working pressure and the other is under a relatively lowV pressure. At B is shown a secondary valve means or alternator adapted to be operated by a relief pressure, as regulated by the regulators shown l5 at C, and also adapted to alternate themain pressure between certain portions of the main alternator A thereby effecting the operation of' the alternator A. At D is shown a valve means adapted to operateat a higher pressure than that at which the regulators C operate, and isoperable only when the pressure in the supply line 30| builds 4up excessively due to the dead centering of the valves in the alternators A and B;

Referring now more particularly to the measuring distributor device E of Fig. 5, there is illustrated at numeral '20| a body portion having preferably, though not necessarily concentric bores 203, 205 and 201 which, respectively, are provided with a main piston209 and piston heads 2|| and 2|3, of a valve stem 2|5. Thus provision is made for the-piston 209, the piston heads 2I| and 2|3, and the stem 2|5 to move freely within the bores 203, 205 and 201.

'I'he cylinders 205 and 201 are provided with the inlets 2| 1 and 2| 9 respectively which are connected with the main pressure lines I and O. Outlets 22| and 223 leading to points tobe lubricated or to be provided with uid for other purposes, are also provided, and are prevented from direct communication with the inlets by the piston heads 2|| and2|3. By-passes 225 and 221 are provided to connect the inlets 2|1 and 2I9 with the inner bore 203. The piston heads are adapted to operate under a difference of pressure between the inlets, and are adapted to alternately cover and uncover opposing sets of by-passes and outlets, as shown.

- A brief description vof the operation of this measuring and distributing device is as follows:

(Dense stippling represents higher pressure and less dense stippling represents lower pressure of the fluid.)

In Fig. 5 the main piston 209 has just comof the outlet 223.

To accomplish this, the :fluid pressure from the inlet 2|1 has first forced the heads 2| and 2 I3 to the positions shown (Fig. s),

' previously mentioned.

thereby opening the by-pass 225l and allowing the iluid pressure to force the main piston. 209 into the position shown. By means hereinafter described, the inlet fluid pressure is now changed -to inlet 2|9. AThis change of fluid pressure forces the heads 2II vand 2|3 over, thereby covering or closing* the by-pass 225 and'the outlet 223 and uncovering or opening the by-pass 221 and thel outlet 22|. In this way the iiuid pressure from inlet 2I9 is conducted to the main piston 209 which forces the 11mm-(previously received from .inlet 2|1) out ofloutlet 22|. Thus fluid is del livered by lines 22| and 223v toany desired points for any useful purpose. A more complete 'and detailed description of the construction and operation of this device is contained in the patent The device E is a separate unit herein, but the devices A, B, C and D are combined as a single mechanical unit shown in Figs. 1 to 4.

With the above preamble in mind and referring to Figs. 1 and 2, numeral I shows a. body pdrtion, having an inlet 3 connected with the pressure supply line 30|. The body portion also has two outlets and 1 connected with the working pressure lines yI and 0. The inlet 3, by

means of a bore 9, is connected to the main alternating means which/comprises in part a bore I3 in the body portion I. The o'utlets 5 andl 1 are connected to the bore I3 by bores 3| and 31 and by bores 33 and 39 respectively. Bores as referred -to herein are presumed to be Aany form of suitable passages or conduits. the term bores being used synonymousiy with conduit, opening or passage. Thebore I3 serves to slidably accommodate a piston I1. The piston I1 has a peripheral depression 25 forming a movable connecting port between the inlet bore 9 and the outlet bores 31 and 39.

A bore 43 in the bodyportion I is connected to the exhaust outlet 4| which in turn is connectedytothe exhaust line 303. Bores 49 and 5I in the body portion connect the bore I3 withthe exhaust Vbore 43. The piston I1 also has grooves 21 and 29 which serve to connect'the bores 3| and 49 and 33 and 5|, respectively, when the piston I1 assumes certain positions. Plugs 13 and 15', threadably positioned in the ends of the bore I3, serve to seal the ends of the bore and to provide means to limit the movement of thee piston I1.

- It will be seen that when the piston I1 is in the position as shown in Fig. 2, the pressure line 30| is connected to the main line O by way ofthe inlet 3, the bore 9, the port 25, and the bore 39 and the outlet 1. The bore 33 also connectsthev line O to a vertical bore-#93., Also, when the piston I1 is in this positionfthe'jiine I is in communication with the exhaust line 303 by way of the outlet 5, the bore 3|, the groove 21, the bores 49, and 43 and the outlet 4I. It is thus seen that when the outlet O is under working pressure, the outlet I is connected with lthe exhaust.

The ysecondary alternator in the body portion' regulating means |0'I and |03.

53 and 55, respectively. The piston I5 has a peripheral depression 23 constituting a movable connecting port between the inlet passage 9 and the respective bores 51 and 59. The piston also has grooves I9 and 2|," serving to connect the bores 45 Iand 95,` and the bores 41 and 91, when the piston assumes certain limiting positions. Bushings 11 and 19 threaded in the ends of bore II provide means to limit the movement ofth piston I5 and are adapted to threadably receive pipes 55 and 51 respectively.

It is clear that when the piston I5 is in the position shown in Fig. 2 the pressure from the inlet 30| is transmitted to the left end of the ypiston n, by way of the bores 51, sl and 53. It'

is also seen that the opposite Lend of the piston I1 is connected to the exhaust line 303 by way of the bores 55, 53, 91,-by the groove 2| and the bore 41.i It is also seen that the exhaust bore.l 45 is closed by the piston I5. Thus the pressure from the line 30| is being transferred to one end of the piston I1, whereas the other end of the piston I1 is under the pressure existing in the exhaust line 303. n Y

When the piston I5 assumes its right hand position at the right of the body I, the passage 51 will be closed andthe passage 45 opened.'

thereby allowing the left hand end' of the 1 piston I1 to be connected with the exhaust line 303; whereas the right hand end o'f the piston I1 Y will be connected with 'the' pressure line 30|.

'I'hus it is 'seen that whenne end of the pis ton I1 is under pressure, the nected with the exhaust.

The new positionof the piston I1 closes the cyber end is conof the bore 9, the port 25and the bore 31 to the bore 39', and at the same time connects the line O line I. Thus it is seen that by shifting the position of the piston I1. the pressure from the line 30I- is alternated'between lthe lines I and O. Moreover it is seen that this alternating of. the

' piston I1 isaccomplished by the hydraulic action of the main fluid pressure dierence existing between the lines 30| and 303.

Referring now more particularly to Fig. 3,

there are shown at numerals 9| and 93 bores in the body portion I. These bores are threaded to receive base portions 81 and 39 respectively of 'Ihe bores, 9| and 93 also are connected respectively to the outlet bores 3| and 33. As is shownin Fig. 3, the base portions 31 and 89 are formed to accommodate plungers |05 and |01 in bores'83 and 85, respectively. Springs |09 and II| react against said plungers |05 and |01 respectively, said springs being backed by adjustable heads ||3 and |I5 respectively, adjustably/threaded to said bodies 81 and 89. The plungers |05 and |01 are connected with the springs |09 and |I| by means of the rods |45 and |41 and the resilient sealing plugs |49 and |5I, interposed between the plungers and rods. The sealing means prevents any grease from passing to the inside of the heads I|3 and |I5. Enlarged shoulders formed on the lower portions of the rods |45 and |41 serve to limit the downward movement of the rods, to provide a at for the springs |09 and III, and to accommodate a threaded bore to threadably Suitable grooves III and II9 are formed in the plungers and |01 to provide' respective communication between the ports and |21, and

|2| and |23, when said plungers are in their lowermost positions attained under the iniiuence of the springs |09 and III.' The ports |25, |21, |2| and I 23 communicate with the lines 305 and 301, respectively, which in turn are connected to lines 61Vand 65, said last-named lines being the ones which carry the relief pressure to the ends of said piston I5. Radial passages or bores I 39 and |43 are provided in the body portions I between the bodies 81 and 89 respectively and are connected by way of a V-shaped vpassage l|4I. The passage |39 is connected with the exhaust outlet 4I by way of a passage or borel |31 (see Figs. 1 and 4).

It is thus seen that when the pistons |05 and |01 are in their lowermost positions, the lines 305 and 301 respectively are in communication with the exhaust line 303. When the plunger |01 is in its lowermost position, the line 301 is connected with the exhaust line 303 by way of the bore I2 I, the groove II9 and the passages |23, |43, |4I, |39, |31 and 43. In the same way when the plunger |05 is in its lowermost position the line 305 is connected with the exhaust line 303 by way of the bore |25, the groove II1 and the bores |21, |39, |31 and 43.

Itrwill be seen, as shown in Figs. 5, 2 and 3, that when the plunger |01 is in its uppermost position. line O is placed in communication with the left end of the piston I5, this being done by way of the line 301. Hence by applying sumelent pressure to the underpart of the plunger |01 the pressure then existing in the line O is transmitted to the left-hand end of the piston I5. It is'to be understood that the pressures at which the pistons |01 and |09 operate are higher than that which normally exists in the main pressure lines I and O. IThe lines 305 and 301 thus transmit pressures which are higher than the working pressure in the lines I and O, and these pres-4 sures are called for convenience relief pressures.

YA description of the operation of the two alternators and the regulators, in the system as disclosed in Fig. 5 is as follows: Y

The line as above stated, is connected with a grease pump capable of delivering grease under pressure. It is clear that-the pressure in the line 30| is transmitted to the outlet 0 by way' of thebore 9, the'grooye 25 and the bore 39.

The line I is in communication with the exhaust 303 by way of the bore 3|.v groove 21,

and the bores 49, 43 and 4|. Thus there is eiected in the lines O and I a working pressure difference, the line O being at this time at the higher pressure.

Only exhaust, frictional pressure exists in the line I at this time. i

The pressure inA the line O causes the measuring distributor E to take up the location shown in Fig. 5. 'I 'he heads 2|I and 2I3 move from the other side of the device to the position shown in Fig. 5 under the influence of the working pressure difference in the lines O and I, thus closing off the inlet 2I9 from the line 223 and by-passing the material from the line O to a position behind the main piston 209. so that the main piston 209 at the working pressure forces the lubricant or the like from the main outlet 223 and to bearings or the like attached thereto.

It will be seen that inasmuch as the line I- is in communication with the exhaust line 303.

the movement of the valves 2|| and 2| 3 effects a recompression into said line I anda delivery of a small amount of grease into the exhaust line 303. v

The distributor or ejector E has now attained the position shown in Fig. 5 by reason of the difference in pressures between the lines I and O. of its stroke, the pressure in line O builds up beyond the working pressure, inasmuch as the pump supplying line 30| does notvslow down.

This increased pressure communicates itself to the underside of` plunger v|01 by way oi the passages 33, 93. For convenience the passages 93, 85 and 33 are shown as 33 -in Fig. 5. (Passage 3|, Fig. 5, represents passages 3|, 9| and 83.)

This pressure, communicated lthrough the passage 33, results in lifting the plunger |01 to open the relief port |3| and to close the port |23, so as t'o permit the passage of this lubricant under relief pressure to one end of the piston I5:

whereas the other endof said piston I5 does not receive 'this pressure but is connected by means of line 305, bore |25, groove II1 and bores' |21, |39. |31 and 43, to the exhaust line 303. The passage 3| (in communication between the line I and the underside of the plunger I 05 and with the exhaust 4I) does not receive high enough pressure to lift the plunger |05. Thus there is Aeffected a diierence of pressure between the lines 305 and 301.

The pressure at which the plunger |01 will lift is adjustableby threading the cap I I5 up or down on the body 89. Thus when it is found that the piston 209 of the distributor E is not being When the main piston 209 reaches the end and through the passages |21, |39, I4I, and 43 v into the exhaust 303. This action of the piston I5 also closes the communication between the ,line 53 with the inlet 30|, and opens a communication between the line 53 and the exhaust line v 303 by'way of the bore 95, groove I9, and bore 45.

`the groove 23 and bore 59.

This reversal of the pressure difference in the Ilines 53 and 55, is communicated to the ends of the piston I1 inasmuch as the passages 53 and .55 are connected to the ends of the bore I3. This reversal or alternation in this pressure relationship forces the piston I1 to its left-hand position, the left-hand end of piston I1 exhausting by way of the line 53, the bore 95, groove I9 and the bore 45. This change of position of the piston I1 closes the communication between the inlet 30| and the outlet 0, and opens communication between the line O and the exhaust 303 by way of the bore 33, the groove 29, and the bores 5I and 43. Moreover the communication between the line I and the exhaust 303 is closed and the' communication between the line I and the pres- ,sure line 30| by way of the bore `9, pot 25,

is also transferred to the regulator IOI by way of the bore 3|, (Fig. 5). The opening of the line O to the exhaust 303 permits the pressure in the lin'e Oto exhaustl and hence the `plunger I 01 springs baci; into its lowermost position again connecting the line 301 with the exhaust 803. With the line I under pressure, and the line O under exhaust, the valve heads 2II and 2|3 are moved to their .alternative positions, and the main piston 209 is forced to its other position, thereby forcing lubricant from the outlet 22|. The pressure in the line I builds up as the piston 209 reaches the end of its stroke and this pres/ sure iscOmmuniCated to the under side of the plunger by way of the passage 3|. As before the plunger-is pushedup when suilicient' pressure develops in the passage 3| thereby cutting off the line 305 from the low pressure line 303, and transmitting the relief pressure to the line 305'. This pressure communicated to the right-hand end of the piston I5, forces it to its left-hand position, the line 301 exhaustingvto the.. exhaust line `303. This change alternates the pressure in the lines 53'andv 55which results in throwing the piston I1 to itsright-hand .position, as shown in Fig. 5, the right-hand end of the piston I1 exhausting to the line 303 by Way of the line 55. Thus the outlet O is again under pressure. Y It is to be understood that the heads II3 and II5 can b e independently adjusted to allow the plungers |05 and |01 to lift at the same or dif` ferent pressures and thus the nal pressure in the lines 22| and 223 may be independently .de-l termined before reversal takes place. Furtheris up. Passages IBI and |82 enter the opening |12 at the same axial location and are shut oil from communication with eachother when the plunger |1I is in .the normal position shown.

Passage I8| connectsthe opening |12 with they passage 65. Passage |82 connects the opening |12 with the exhaustbore 303. 'I'he plunger I1I i plunger for limiting the motion of the plunger whichwould otherwise tend to shut off the bore I 11 (Fig. 4).. The, plug |15 cooperates with the extension to limit the movement, inasmuch as thev packing I 69 is only a compression link and not a tension link. ,l

It is clear that when the plunger I1I is in its normal position (to the left, Fig. 4) the'passage |19 is cut oil from communication with the inlet qfrom the passage 9. by the plunger .I1I. The

more, the distributor or ejector E may supply fluid pressure bearings or the like and there may be any convenient number ofv ejectors in para1.

lel in the lines'I and O without disturbing the operation of the alternators A and B and the reg ulators c. J.'

In Fig. 5'there is illustrated a safety device adapted to be included in the body I. This device i'sadapted to eiect the operation of either ofv 'the pistons I5 or I1, (in this case the piston I1),

in the event that both pistons I5 and I1 are on dead-center. .This dead-centering would cutoff the connections of lines`I and O and lines 53 and 55 with the inlet 30|. thus shutting oi all outlets for the supply line 30|. The pressure therein would then Abuild up "until the limit of capacity of the pump Vbe reached. OperationV would then cease; and although this is a contine gency effective only under certain conditions, a method of overcoming it is described hereinafter in order that all applications of the invention to. dierent conditions may be Imade clear.

Referring therefore to Fig. 4 thererisv shown at numeral v|12 an opening Yor passage adapted lto slidably receive aplunger |1I. The` right-hand end- |63 of the opening |12, is enlarged at |13k to `accommodate 'a spring |81 which reacts against a shoulder |89 formed on a rod |61, co-

' operating with the plunger I1 I to hold the plunger in its normal position. A head |65 forms the other seat for the spring |81. A rsilintplug -'|69'is positioned between the rod and the plungier to prevent the leakage of uid from the opening |12 tothe larger part |13.

The opening |12 is in constant communication 'with the inlet passage 9 by way of nie bore |11.

The borem enters the opening |12 below the plunger |1|. A passage |19 connects the open spring |81 has suiiicient strength to hold the plunger from movement under the normal pressure and the pressure equal to the relief pressure which may exist in the linesI and O andin the inlet line 30|.

' When, however, the pistons I5 and I1 are bothdead-centered, the pressure in the line 30| and consequently in the bore 8 will build up to exceed that of the said normal and relief pressures. This high pressure being communicated to the lefthand side of the plunger I1I, by way of the passage |11, forces the plunger to the right against 'I'he plunger I1I has' the action of the spring r|81 and uncovers the v passage |19, thereby connecting the pressure lines with the left-hand side of the .piston I1, by Way of the passages 9, |11, |19 and 53. Atthe same time 'the groove. |83 connects the passages 8I and |82, thereby allowing the right-hand end of said piston I1 to exhaust'to the exhaust line 303. Thus the piston I1 is forced from dead-center to its right-hand position and thepressure line 30| is immediately communicated to the line O. The piston I 5 is also thrown oi dead-center by the pressure communicated to its ends by the methods previously described in connection with the proper operation of the piston I1.

f With the pressure relieved the plunger I 1| is" immediately forced back into its normal position by the action of the spring. It is thus seen that whenever a dead-centering of'both the pistons I 5 and I1 occurs they are automatically moved from dead-centen-by the device described.

w An advantage of the invention is that `the engine necessary to operate the oscillating device in the. saidUnited States Patent 1,805,303 has been eliminated and a simplied hydraulic means -has been substituted which enables the entire alternating and regulating deviceto be combined in a single unit comprising one block.

' Furthermore the dead centering diiiiculty which is inherent with most pneumatic and hydraulic machines has been eliminated.

It is to vbe understood that the elements which positively prevent dead-centering (shown primarily in Fig. 4) may-be eliminated where the pressure conditions and the ts `between parts are such that 'dead-centering will not ordinarily ing |12 with the'passage 53*` when the plunger |1| or perhaps never occur.

1t will be seen from the above that the piston I1 in the device A comprises movable means sov adapted to direct pressure from the inlet to either of the lines I and O. This direction is selective. The function of the device B is likewise directive and selective 'in regard to fluid now.

In view of the above, it wm be seen that the several objects of the invention are achieved and ,said outlets and lthe secondary other advantageous results attained.

As many changes could be made in carrying out the above'constructions without departing from theV scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

I claim:

1. In apparatus of the class described, a body having an inlet and a plurality of outlets and an exhaust, a primary valve means adapted to alternately connect the inlet with an outlet and simultaneously another outlet with the exhaust, secondary valve means adapted to control said primary valve means by directing pressure thereto from said inlet and connecting means between l valve means, whereby the latter is rendered operable.

2. In apparatus of the class described. a body having an inlet and a plurality of outlets and an exhaust, a primary valve means adapted to alternately connect the inlet with the respective outlets, secondary valve means adaptedl to control said primary valve means by directing pressure thereto from said inlet, connecting means between said outlets and the secondary valve means, whereby the latter is rendered operable and regulating means associated with said connecting means adapted to permitoperation of said secondary valve means at :-predetermined outlet pressures. f l

3. In apparatus of the class described, a body having an inlet and a plurality of outlets and an exhaust, a. primary valve means adapted to alternately connect the inlet with the respective outlets, secondaryivalve means adapted to control said primary valve means by directing pressure `thereto from said inlet, connecting means between said outlets and the secondary valve means, whereby vthe latter is rendered operable, regulating means associated with said connecting means adapted to permit operation of said secondary valve means at predetermined outlet pressures, which are higher than normal at the outlets and safety regulating means connected with said inlet adapted to prevent centering of the valve means under inlet pressures in excess of the operating pressures for operating said valve means.

4. In apparatus of the class' described a body lportion having an inlet and at least two pressure outlets and an exhaust, a main pressure operated valve means located in said body portion adapted to alternate connections between the inlet and said outlets, and between said outlets and said exhaust, said body also being provided with to alternate connections between the inlet and seid outlets, and between said outlets and said exhaust, said body also being provided with connections between said inlet and the pressure operated portions of said valve means, a second 5 valve means in said body interposed between said vinletand said last-named connections adapted to alternate the connections between said inlet and the pressure operated portions of said main valve means and regulators in communication with said outlets, said regulators having regulated pressure outlets communicating with said second-named valve means for delivering operating pressures thereto.

6. In apparatus of the'class described a body l5 portion having an inlet and at least two pressure outlets and an exhaust, a main pressure operated valve means located in said bodyA portion adapted to alternate connections between the inlet and said outlets, and between said outlets and said exhaust, said body also being provided with connections between said inlet and the pressure operated portions of said valve means, a second valve means in said body interposed between said inlet and said last-named connections adapted to alternate the connections between said inlet and the pressure operated portions of said main valve means and regulators in` com munication with said outlets. said regulators having regulated pressure outlets communicating with said second-named valve means for delivering-operating pressures thereto, said regulating means being adapted to limit the pressures at said outlets.

7. In apparatus of the class described a body 85 portion having an inlet and at least two working pressure outlets, and an exhaust, a main pressure operated valve means located in said body porl'tion adapted to alternate the connections be` said inlet and said last-named connections,

'adapted to alternate the connections between said inlet and the ends of said main valve means, regulators interposed between said main valve means and said outlets, said regulators being adapted to operate at pressures higher than said working pressure and adapted to transmit said higher pressure to the'ends of said second-named valve means.

8. In apparatus of the class described a body body portion having an inlet and at least two working pressure outlets, and an exhaust, a main pressure operated valve means located in said body portion adapted to alternate the connections between the inlet and said outlets, and between said outlets and said exhaust, said body being -provided ,with connections between said inlet and the pressure operated portions of said valve means, a second valve means interposed between said inlet and said last-named connections, adapted to alternate the connections between said inlet and the ends of said main valve means, regulators interposed between said main valve means and said outlets, said regulators being adapted to operate at pressures higher than said working pressure and adapted to transmit said higher pressure to the ends of said second-named valve means, said regulating means being adapted to place the connections which are not in communicationl with the inlet int'o communication with the exhaust.

9. In apparatus of the class described a body portion having an inlet and at least two working pressurey outlets, and an exhaust, a main pressure operated valve means located' in said body portion adapted to alternate the connections between the inlet and said outlets, and between said outlets and said exhaust, said body being provided with connections between said inlet and the pressure operated portions of said valve means, a second valve means interposed between said inlet;v and said last-named connections, adapted to alternatethe connections betweensaid inlet and the ends of said main valve means, regulators interposed between said main valve means and said outlets, said regulators being adapted to operate at pressures higher than said working pressure and adapted to transmit said higher pressure to the ends of said second-named valye means, said regulating means being adapted to place the connections which are not in communication with the inlet into communication with the exhaust, and adjustablemeans associated with said regulating means for determining the respective pressures at which the respective 'pairsl of outlets shall be in communication.

10. In apparatus of the class described a body having an inlet and at least` two .outlets for pressure and an exhaust. movable means in said t lator having an inlet line connected with the inlet and an outlet line connected with an end of one of the movable means and means associated with saidregulator'adapted to connect the opposite end of the movable means which it controls to said exhaust when said regulatoris operative. v ,f

11. AIn apparatus of the class described a body Ahaving an inlet and at least two outlets for pressure, and an exhaust, movable means in said body portion adapted to direct the pressure between 1 said 3inlet and outlets, iiuid lines connecting sai`d inlet and the ends of said movable means, a

second movable means interposed' between said inlet and said ends adapted to direct the connections between said inlet andv said ends, va

safety regulator having an4 inlet line connected il with the inlet of said body portion and an outlet line connected with anend of one of said movable means and means associated with said safety.

regulator adapted to provide a uid connection with said exhaust, Aregulating means interposed between said-i'lrst-named movable. means and said outlet, said regulating means having outlets connected with the ends of said second-'named movpressure, said safety regulator being adapted to operate at a pressure higher than said other pres- SUIES.

12. In apparatus 'of the class described, a body portion-having an inlet, a plurality 'of outlets 'and an exhaust, reciprocable means in the body comprising two members, a main one of which is adapted to selectively delivenpressure from the inlet to one of said outlets while the other outlet is connected to said exhaust, the other reciprocable member being adapted to effect direction named direction of pressure to effect reciprocation of said main member, said other reciprocable member being adapted vto be reciprocated .named direction Vof 'pressure to effect reciproca- Vtionof said main member, said other reciprocable member being adapted to be reciprocated by. pressures effected at said outlets from the body,

and regulating means interposed between said outlets and said other reciprocable member adapted to regulate the pressures at which said other reciprocable member, shall change the pressure applied to said `main member.

14. In apparatus of the class described, a body portion having an inlet, a plurality of outlets and an exhaust, reciprocable means in the body comprising two members, a main one of which is adapted to selectively deliver pressure from the inlet to one of said outlets while the other outlet is connected to said exhaust. the other reciprocable member being adapted to effect direction of pressure, means adapted to cause said last-named direction of pressure Vto effect reciprocation of said main member, said other reciprocable member being adapted to be reciprocated by pressures effected at said outlets from the body and means for preventing dead centering oLsa-id reciprocableI means. 1

15. In apparatus of the class described, a body .portion having an inlet. a plurality of outlets and an exhaust, reciprocable means in the body comprising twoimembers, a main one of which is adapted t selectively deliver pressures from the inlet to one of said outlets while the other outletv is connected to sa'id exhaust, the other reciprocable member being adapted to effect direci ciprocable member being adapted to be recipro- A cated by pressures 'effected at said outlets from the body',"regulating means interposed between said outletsl and said other reciprocable member adapted to regulate the pressures at -which said "other reciprocable `member shall ,change the pressure applied to said main member, and means for preventing dead centering of said reciprocable means. '16. In apparatus of the class described, a body --portionhaving an inlet, afplurality of outlets and an exhaust, -reciprocablemlan's in the body comprisingr two members, a main one of which is adapted to selectively deliver pressure from the inlet to one of said outlets while the other outlet is connected tosaid exhaust, the other reciprocable member being adapted to effect direction Y.

of pressure, means adapted to cause said last-l named direction of pressure to eil'ect reciprocation of said-main member, said other-reciprocable member lbeing adapted to be reciprocated by pressures eiiectedatsaid outlets from the body, means for preventing` dead centering of said reciprocable means, said means for preventing dead centering comprising a regulator vin communication with said inlet adapted to bedmoved by pressure at said inlet and to eiect movement of said reciprocable means.

17. In apparatus of the class described, a body portion having an inlet, a plurality of outlets and an exhaust reciprocable means in the body comprising two members, a main one of which is adapted to selectively deliver pressure from the inlet to one of said outlets, while the other outlet is connected to said exhaust, the other reciprocable member being adapted to eiect direction of pressure, means adapted to cause said last-named reciprocation of said main member, said other reciprocable member being adapted to be reciprocated by pressures eiected at said outlets from the body, regulating means interposed between said outlets and said other reciprocable member adapted to regulate the pressures at which said other reciprocable member shall change the pressure applied to said main member, and means for preventing dead centering of said reciprocable members, said means for preventing dead centering comprising another regulator in communication with said inlet adapted to be n ioved by excess pressure at said inlet and to etlect movement of said reciprocable means.

18. A self-reversingvalve comprisng a body having a pressure inlet and a pair of outlets, a

' movement vof said rst named member.

19. A self-reversing valve comprising a body having a pressure inlet and a pair of outlets, a slidable member in said body adapted to connect said inlet selectively to said outlets, said body having a pair of passages leading from said inlet to opposite sides of said member, said body having also a pair of return ports. a pilot member jslidably mounted in said body between said ports and operable by diierential pressure therein, said pilot member being adapted to selectively obstruct said passages, whereby to govern Vthe movement of said rst named member, and relief lines extending from said body to prevent trapping of uid therein. Y

LUTWIN (I. ROTTER. 

